The Truth About Wood Burning Stoves: Clearing Up the Misconceptions

Wood burning stoves have been under scrutiny in recent years, with concerns about air pollution, sustainability, and cost making headlines. But many of these claims fail to consider the advancements in modern wood burning technology and the environmental benefits of responsible wood heating.

At Specflue, we are the sole UK distributor for TermaTech stoves and MCZ pellet stoves, offering high-efficiency, low-emission heating solutions that meet Ecodesign 2022 standards. Let’s take a closer look at the most common misconceptions and the real facts behind wood and pellet stoves.

Is wood heating more expensive than gas or oil?

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost. The truth is, wood heating can be more affordable than fossil fuels, especially with rising gas and oil prices. Locally sourced firewood is often a cost-effective, renewable option, and modern stoves extract more heat from less fuel.

Pellet stoves, such as those from MCZ, offer automatic fuel feeding and optimised combustion, helping to lower running costs. Unlike fluctuating gas prices, wood and pellets provide a more stable, long-term heating solution.

Do wood burners really produce high levels of harmful air pollution?

Older stoves and open fires were inefficient and did contribute to higher emissions. However, modern Ecodesign wood burning stoves have advanced combustion technology that significantly reduces pollutants.

Premium brands like TermaTech use secondary and tertiary combustion to ensure a cleaner burn, and MCZ pellet stoves offer over 90% efficiency with minimal particulate output. When used with seasoned, dry wood, emissions are reduced even further.

Is heating with firewood worse for air quality than gas?

Gas heating produces fewer particulates, but it emits CO₂ and relies on fossil fuel extraction—which has serious environmental consequences.

In contrast, modern wood burning stoves and MCZ pellet stoves are designed to minimise emissions. In fact, high-quality pellet stoves can be as clean-burning as gas while using a renewable, sustainable fuel source.

Does burning wood contribute to deforestation?

A major misconception is that heating with firewood leads to deforestation. However, most firewood in the UK and Europe comes from managed forests, where selective harvesting actually improves forest health.

Sustainable forestry ensures that more trees are planted than cut down, supporting biodiversity and reducing the risk of wildfires. Choosing certified, responsibly sourced firewood or pellets means heating with wood can be a sustainable choice.

Is burning wood really not carbon-neutral?

Unlike fossil fuels, wood is part of the natural carbon cycle. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and when burned, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere—meaning no additional CO₂ is added.

As long as firewood is sourced from sustainable forestry practices (where new trees replace harvested ones), the carbon impact is dramatically lower than gas, oil, or coal. Pellet stoves like those from MCZ are even more efficient, producing minimal emissions with a high-energy yield.

Do wood burning stoves cause high indoor air pollution?

Some people worry that wood stoves release smoke into their homes. However, a properly installed, well-maintained stove should not contribute to indoor air pollution.

Modern stoves are designed with airtight doors, advanced air controls, and efficient flue systems that direct smoke safely outside. Using dry, seasoned wood and ensuring good ventilation eliminates the risk of smoke leaks.

Is gas heating cleaner than wood burning?

While natural gas burns cleanly, it still emits CO₂ and methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂. Additionally, gas extraction through fracking and drilling has significant environmental and ecological drawbacks.

Modern wood burning and pellet stoves provide a renewable alternative, especially when using responsibly sourced wood or pellets. With the latest stove technology, emissions are significantly reduced, making wood heating a far cleaner option than often reported.

Why choose a wood or pellet stove from Specflue?

At Specflue, we exclusively distribute TermaTech wood stoves and MCZ pellet stoves, along with a range of other high-quality, Ecodesign approved heating solutions. Whether you’re looking for the traditional warmth of a wood burning stove or the efficiency of a pellet stove, we provide sustainable, low-emission heating options.

Rather than relying on outdated or misleading claims, it’s essential to consider the facts. When used properly, modern wood burning and pellet stoves remain one of the most sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly heating solutions available.

TermaTech range

Castle Stoves range

Gainsborough range

MCZ pellet stoves

Bioethanol stove range